Picture these under the tree
7 kids’ books we think they’ll love.
Christmas cookies, reindeer, warm puppies, friendly dinosaurs and, of course, Santa! These fanciful holiday picture books have everything kids love — most especially presents. Because the kid on your list might like to find one (or more) of these books under the tree.
1 The Night Before Christmas By Clement C. Moore; illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo Little Simon, ages 4-7, $17.99
The story: The 1823 Christmas poem (“not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse”) gets a modern reboot with Antonio Javier Caparo’s snazzy, Pixar-like illustrations.
What kids will like: Every generation deserves a fresh, smart rendition of Clement C. Moore’s beloved 19th-century classic — and this Santa’s red lace-up sneaker boots couldn’t be cooler.
2 Rory the Dinosaur Needs a Christmas Tree By Liz Climo
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, ages 4-8, $16.99
The story: Rory the dinosaur and his dad are having a tough time finding just the right Christmas tree on their island home until Dad’s surprise solution (hint, Dad is green himself !) provides the “Best Tree Ever.”
What kids will like: Tykes Rory’s size will think this funny, feel-good tale about father-son bonding and Christmas-tree hunting is dino-mite.
6 The Little Reindeer By Nicola Killen
A Paula Wiseman Book/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, ages 4-8, $15.99
The story: Little Ollie is tucked in on Christmas Eve when she hears bells jingling. She’s off on her sled with a whoosh to the woods, where she befriends a lost reindeer.
What kids will like: This sweet tale, portrayed in a palette of soft grays enlivened with bright dashes of red, will appeal to any dreamy young animal lover.
5 A World of Cookies for Santa By M.E. Furman, illustrated by Susan Gal Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ages 4-7, $16.99
The story: No wonder Santa needs an extra-large red suit. We follow the big guy around the globe, learning what treats await him everywhere from Malawi (sweet potato cookies) to Denmark (rice pudding).
What kids will like: This colorful multicultural celebration, complete with recipes, will inspire the young bakers in your house to leave Santa some extra special cookies. (Don’t forget the milk.)
3 Red & Lulu By Matt Tavares Candlewick, ages 3-7, $17.99
The story: When their home in the suburbs — a giant evergreen tree — is uprooted and loaded onto a truck, a devoted pair of cardinals, briefly separated, give chase for many miles.
What kids will like: With its bird’s-eye views, this wonderfully imagined, gorgeously illustrated ode to the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will have young travelers begging Mom and Dad for a trip to the Big Apple.
4 Merry Christmas, Peanut! By Terry Border Philomel, ages 3-7, $17.99
The story: Will Peanut ever get to Grandma’s house for Christmas? Our “Christmas nut” even has to navigate a traffic jam (er, traffic jelly), but never fear! What kids will like: Terry Border’s wildly inventive photo scenes depicting peanut shells who are crazy for Christmas (watch for the nutty snow angels) are a scream.
7 A Farm for Maisie By John and Jennifer Churchman
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, ages 4-8, $17.99
The story: It’s winter, and Maisie, an adorable Border Collie puppy, must find her place among the sheep (and chickens and geese) at Moonrise Farm in this book featuring delightful photo illustrations (taken at a real farm); part of the Sweet Pea & Friends series.
What kids will like: While not a holiday tale per se, this warm-hearted story — with its Nativity-like setting and touching message — will put readers of any age in the holiday spirit.